The Lonely Lake Monster by Suzanne Selfors

Author:Suzanne Selfors [Selfors, Suzanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ages 7 & Up
ISBN: 9780316225601
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2013-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

Pearl took a quick breath. There it was, a rusty coffee can right next to the leprechaun. Something shimmered from within.

Gold.

Pearl dashed into the room. “Ugh,” she groaned as she snatched the can, which was surprisingly heavy. The coins clinked, and glimmering dust rose into the air. The leprechaun spun around, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Cobblestone’s gold,” he said, pointing to the can. His face turned as red as his swollen nose. “Why do you steal from Cobblestone?”

“I’m not stealing,” Pearl said. “I’m… borrowing.”

“Then return it to Cobblestone.” He got to his feet. Gold dust speckled his black beard and black boots.

Pearl was confused. “Is your name Cobblestone, or are you talking about someone else?”

“Cobblestone stands before you.” He held out his arms. “Now give Cobblestone his treasure.”

Pearl stepped away, hugging the can to her chest. It was as heavy as an armful of bricks. She wasn’t sure how long she could hold it. “I’ll give it back if you grant me a wish.”

The leprechaun sneezed. A little cloud of golden dust shot out of his nose. “What be the name of the thief who steals from Cobblestone?”

Pearl didn’t like being called a thief, but she was holding something that didn’t belong to her. “My name is Pearl.”

“Pearl?” He furrowed his brow. “Pearl be a fairy name. You be a strange-looking fairy. Where be your wings?”

“I’m not a fairy,” Pearl said. “I’m just a regular girl.”

“Human?” The word hissed out. “Cobblestone doesn’t like humans.”

“You like Dr. Woo, don’t you? She’s a human.”

“Dr. Woo never tries to steal from Cobblestone.”

“I only did it because you’re supposed to grant me a wish if I get your gold.” One wish would take care of everything. Pearl chewed on her lower lip as she noticed the tools hanging from the leprechaun’s apron. Some looked supersharp. What if he got mad and tried to poke her? He was a level three on the danger scale, after all, and not fond of human beings. “My friend is in trouble, and I need a wish so I can set him free.”

“Cobblestone has no wishes. His magic be clogged with sniffles and snot.” He blew his nose into a tissue.

Pearl remembered Mr. Tabby’s warning: Leprechauns are notorious tricksters and getting a wish granted is nearly impossible. It almost always ends badly for the human. Was the leprechaun lying about his magic? Was he trying to trick her? “Then I guess you don’t want your gold. I’ll just be leaving. There’s a nice bank in town where I can deposit it.” She lifted her foot, preparing to take a step.

“Wait.” He rubbed his red nose. “Cobblestone has no magic. But Cobblestone will trade with you instead.” He pointed to her feet. “Your human shoes be hideous. Cobblestone will make you a pair of leprechaun shoes if you return his gold.”

A pair of leprechaun shoes?

The little guy smiled sweetly. “Would Pearl the regular girl like a pair of dancing shoes made from lightning-bug wings or a pair of running shoes

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